Despite text messages from his wife saying there was “no chance” Urban Meyer would reconsider his shocking retirement announcement, apparently he has done exactly that.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Gators coach Urban Meyer will take a leave of absence for an indefinite amount of time before returning as head coach. Offensive coordinator Steve Addazio will take over as the interim head coach.
Meyer, who had attributed his retirement decision to concerns over his health, admitted to the New York Times that he had been suffering from chest pains. Meyer revealed that he had passed out for 90 minutes and needed hospitalization following the SEC championship game. Multiple outlets have said that Meyer told his team that he has been hospitalized several times since that incident, all related to additional medical tests for a cardiac condition.
Palm Beach Post beat writer Benjamin Volin commented that Meyer may need a heart valve replacement, an in-patient surgical procedure which would require Meyer to be monitored in the intensive care unit and be sidelined for considerable time before until cleared to return to work.
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen said that Florida AD Jeremy Foley had floated the leave of absence option to Meyer for at least a week before Meyer made his initial decision to retire.
In a press conference in New Orleans today, Meyer said his change of heart and decision to take the leave of absence rather than retire came after spending time with the team at practice in the wake of his initial announcement.
“It was our players,” Meyer said.
He informed his wife and children of the decision as they joined the team for the flight from Gainesville to New Orleans.
During the Q&A portion of the press conference, Meyer declined to discuss any specific medical condition that prompted his decision, but said that he did not have a heart attack. He would not disclose medical advice doctors have given him regarding stepping away from coaching.
As far as a timeline for his return, Meyer said the “intention is there” to be back as the head coach.
“If I am able to go coach, I want to coach at one place… it’s the University of Florida,” Meyer said.
When pressed for his “gut feeling”, Meyer said that thinks he will be back on the sidelines for the 2010 season.
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